Only Rain In The Drain

As we approach landscaping season it is a good time to review Lehi City Policy regarding debris/mulch/dirt/rocks/anything delivered to the street or sidewalk. Stockpiles are illegal on City streets or sidewalks for any length of time and can result in a citation.

Piles present safety hazards to pedestrians and automobiles even if left for only a few hours. Just as importantly, they can be washed away and excess sediment can cause plugging of mainlines and curb catches, resulting in a major cause of storm drain failure.

As you plan your landscaping needs remember these suggestions:

• Check the weather forecast and schedule projects for dry weather.
• Deliver stockpiles to your lawn, keeping it away from gutters, footpaths and hard surfaces.
• Protect stockpiles and materials from the elements by storing them under tarps or secured plastic sheeting.
• Time the delivery of materials with your schedule so that you are available to quickly move them to the desired garden, flower bed, lawn, etc.
• Put sandbags/gravel bags around the perimeter of the stockpile to protect it from run-on or runoff.

 

Home Repair and Improvement

Before beginning an outdoor project, locate the nearest storm drain and protect them from debris and other materials.
Sweep up and properly dispose of construction debris such as concrete and mortar.
Use hazardous substances like paints, solvents, and cleaners in the smallest amounts possible and follow the directions on the label. Clean up spills immediately, and dispose of the waste safely. Store substances properly to avoid leaks and spills.
Purchase and use nontoxic, biodegradable, recycled, and recyclable products whenever possible.
Clean paint brushes in a sink, not outdoors. Filter and reuse paint thinner when using oil-based paints. Properly dispose of excess paints through a household hazardous waste collection program, or donate unused paint to local organizations.
Reduce the amount of paved area and increase the amount of vegetated area in your yard. Use native plants in your landscaping to reduce the need for watering during the dry periods. Consider directing downspouts away from paved surfaces onto lawns and other measures to increase infiltration and reduce polluted runoff.

Vehicle and Garage

Use a commercial car wash or wash your car on a lawn or other unpaved surface to minimize the amount of dirty, soapy water flowing into the storm drain and eventually into your local water body.
Check your car, boat, motorcycle, and other machinery and equipment for leaks and spills. Make repairs as soon as possible. Clean up spilled fluids with an absorbent material like kitty litter or sand, and don’t rinse the spills into a nearby storm drain. Remember to properly dispose of the absorbent material.
Recycle used oil and other automotive fluids at participating service stations. Don’t dump these chemicals down the storm drain or dispose of them in your trash.

For additional information call 801-851-PURE (7873)
Or visit www.utahcounty.gov

Remember, Only Rain in the Drain !